On October 21, 2024, Maria Damanaki, co-founder of Leading Women for the Ocean (LWO), addressed global leaders at “The Ocean Nexus,” part of the 1000 Ocean Startups Annual Gathering, hosted by the World Economic Forum in Amsterdam. Maria emphasized the critical role of ocean innovation in promoting sustainable growth, enhancing social prosperity, and protecting natural capital. Her speech underscored the need for balance between development and ecological protection to drive impactful and lasting change in the blue economy.
Maria continued her advocacy at the 22nd Annual Corporate Responsibility Conference, “The Pale Blue Dot,” organized by the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce in Athens on October 22. Speaking passionately about the ocean’s pivotal role in climate solutions, she shared, “Humanity’s action against the climate crisis makes no sense without the ocean. The sea provides 50% of our oxygen, and the blue economy generates more than $1.5 trillion annually. Keeping the balance between sustainability and biodiversity is essential.”
With these back-to-back appearances, Maria reinforced the importance of the ocean in addressing the climate crisis and highlighted the value of innovation and corporate responsibility in safeguarding our marine ecosystems. Her work continues to champion sustainable practices that support both economic prosperity and the health of our planet.
